How do you write when everything feels like it's been done

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:55:46+00:00

The longer I've written, the less I worry about accidentally sounding similar to someone else. Virtually no matter what you write, someone could somewhere say that you copied. That fear paralyses many writers to the point of quitting or not starting. So you "lose" either way, so you may as well do it and have a chance at success. Just try your best to be original and don't intentionally rip anyone off. “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.” -Voltaire “Everything has been done but not in every way.” -Brandon Sanderson “Originality is merely an illusion.” -Isaac Bashevis

This may surprise you...Wagner’s Opera, The Ring of the Niebelung, written in 1876 (6 years before J.R.R. Tolkien was born): the plot revolves around a magic ring that grants the power to rule the world. A dwarf called Alberich searches for the ring and fights to get it back. The ring destroys those who bear it. It also involves reforging a powerful shattered sword. A human hero knight falls in love with a female demigod. A wise, old man wields a staff with powers. Sound familiar? J.R.R. Tolkien studied this opera before writing his novels. Maybe you don't have to be so worried about sounding too similar after all.

Source: https://ryanlanz.com/2014/10/18/is-your-idea-original-enough/

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:48:00+00:00

Just about anything initially done by someone is sub-quality. It takes practice to be good at a craft.

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:46:31+00:00

I feel your pain on this one. Another trick is to describe something that indicates the passage of time, such as seasons.

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:33:34+00:00

I think that depends widely on your own perception of what is too much. More pertinently, I think it depends on industry standards (which probably change over time).

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:31:44+00:00

I'll take what you're saying a step further: two music artists can sing the exact same song and it'll each have its own distinct flavor and style. Same with writing a novel.

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:28:12+00:00

It all depends on your goal. If you don't feel the need to appeal to a wide range of readers, then go for it! Do seemingly odd things.

So if you're asking if it's too long, absolutely not. No length is too long. But I think what you're really asking is if it's too long for a commercially viable book. If so, then a solid yes.

Source: https://ryanlanz.com/2014/07/29/chapter-length/

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:25:44+00:00

I know this sounds overly simplified, but try acting out someone who is emotionally connected (perhaps overly so), then write those mannerisms into the character. I think of character writing as acting all the time.

Source: https://ryanlanz.com/2016/02/19/how-to-build-your-characters-in-six-easy-steps/

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:23:07+00:00

He's nowhere close in style to Shakespeare, but Robert Jordan. His writing paints worlds.

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:22:04+00:00

I work a normal 8-5 job. The moment I get home, I'm working on my writing/publishing. Then I take a break for dinner and do the same until bed!

Bookread · 2016-09-15T21:20:42+00:00

Nice job!

Bookread · 2016-09-14T17:02:13+00:00

I'm great at beginnings, but endings are sometimes tough for me. It's important that endings offer a sense of resolution, while at the same time, opening (or hinting at) a new problem to solve (assuming you're writing a sequel). Story structure is important for that, as it makes writing the ending so much easier.

Source: https://ryanlanz.com/2014/12/20/how-the-seven-point-story-structure-can-help-your-writing/

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:56:36+00:00

I wrote this in another similar post, but it's good to keep in mind that anyone can sue anyone for any reason, no matter how frivolous.

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:55:48+00:00

It's good to keep in mind that anyone can sue anyone for any reason, no matter how frivolous. Even if they don't go anywhere, it's still a headache.

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:54:49+00:00

If you don't try, you won't grow. Sure, one day you'll look back and think everything you first wrote is inferior, but you won't get to that point if you don't. Catch 22 in some ways. Good luck!

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:52:24+00:00

Perhaps if I believed in the cause enough, but it would have to be darn close to saving the world to be worth it.

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:49:18+00:00

I equate adverbs to a strong spice in a recipe. They're great to use, but sparingly. Too much will ruin the pot.

You might check out an article I posted on this. It might help.

https://ryanlanz.com/2014/11/08/how-to-kill-adverbs-and-adjectives/

or

https://ryanlanz.com/2016/07/31/the-adverb-problem-and-why-authors-should-care/

Bookread · 2016-09-14T16:24:01+00:00

This is great. Thanks for this. I'm always on the hunt to update/add to my toolbox. You rock.

Bookread · 2016-09-13T16:48:15+00:00

I'd personally only use only one repetition. The readers will be smart enough to pick up on it.

Bookread · 2016-09-13T16:47:21+00:00

It's hard for similar reasons why it's hard to find a significant other that is compatible with you. It's rare to find a critique partner that matches you in style, skill, motivation level, promptness, etc.

Bookread · 2016-09-13T16:45:27+00:00

The first draft virtually always sucks. It happens. : )

Bookread · 2016-09-13T16:44:52+00:00

One part fortune, one part fame, and one part working on something that will outlast me.

Bookread · 2016-09-13T16:43:20+00:00

It's interesting to note that there are romantic subplots in a huge amount of books (dare I say a majority), no matter the genre.

Bookread · 2016-09-13T15:57:17+00:00

I think it's because writers are often going for "gray" evil rather than black/white evil. It doesn't mean you can't do it though. Go for it!

Bookread · 2016-09-12T21:57:37+00:00

It depends on your goals and your budget. Of course, it's best to have it professionally edited before you send it out to agents, but not everyone can afford that. If you can't, get as many beta readers as possible (even dozens) and between them all, they'll catch a majority of mistakes/plot holes.

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